Female and male nipples are an area of the body that is not talked about much. Despite this there would be a lot to say about them, starting with why they are almost as particular and individual as a fingerprint.
In fact, it’s curious enough that there are female and male nipples. In women, they play the evolutionary role of facilitating breastfeeding. What is striking is that they are not so different from those of men.
One of the fun facts about male and female nipples is this they form before the sexual organs. Likewise, they can remain erect, either by erotic stimuli or by the action of cold.
1. There are between 4 and 8 types of female and male nipples
In general terms, female and male nipples can be flat, protruding, inverted, or ungraded. The latter correspond to those divided or multiple.
Similarly, a person may have one nipple of one type and the other a different type. Therefore, there are at least 8 basic nipple configurations.
2. It is normal to have inverted nipples
Most nipples are elongated, i.e. they protrude. Inverted nipples do the opposite: they go inside.
However, the latter is still normal. It is also true that one nipple is inverted and the other is not, or that they change over time.
3. Nipples can change size
Women’s nipples can change during pregnancy. A study carried out in 2013 with a group of pregnant women, it verified that the nipples had grown, as well as the areola, during the course of gestation.
4. The nipple is one thing and the areola is another
It is common that when we talk about female and male nipples we are referring to the area that includes both the nipple and the areola. The latter corresponds to the darker colored area surrounding the nipple. Instead, the nipple as such is the area that is in the center of the breast and which is communicated with the mammary glands.
5. Yes, the nipple can have hair
Around the nipples are hair follicles. This means that there may be hair on both male and female nipples.
There’s nothing abnormal about this, even though those hairs are a little darker and more stringy than on the rest of the body. They can be removed if they don’t like it or cause discomfort.
6. There are double nipples
One of the most surprising tidbits about female and male nipples is that there isn’t always just one in each breast. There are people who have two in each areola and both can produce milk for babies. This is known as double nipple AND forked.
7. There are also more nipples
It may seem strange, but 1 in 18 people may have multiple nipples. These are called supernumeraries.
Applies to female and male nipples. There is one reported case of a man with 7 nipples. Even him case of one woman who had a nipple on her foot and another who had it on her thigh. The latter, despite her position, produced milk after giving birth.
8. There are people without nipples
Just as there are people who have more than one nipple on each areola, and even many more on different parts of the body, there are also those who have no nipples. This is a very rare condition called athelia and can only be treated with breast correction surgery.
9. Lumps around the nipples are normal.
It is normal for there to be lumps around the nipples.which correspond to Montgomery’s glands. These perform the function of keeping the entire nipple and areola area comfortable and lubricated. Therefore, those bumps shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
10. Male nipples also produce milk.
While it is very rare to occur, there are also cases of men producing milk through their nipples. This condition is called galactorrhea AND only a few cases have been recorded throughout history. However, there aren’t even enough studies, so it’s unknown how frequent this may be.
11. The nipples are involved in sexual stimulation
Female and male nipples are sensitive to sexual stimuli. and raise excitement. This has been verified in a investigation ratified by 82% of women and 52% of men.
It can also be annoying or inconvenient for some people, so it can’t be assumed that it’s always rewarding. Better ask.
12. Pain in women is normal
Nipple pain is a very common symptom in women. It is often part of PMS or other hormonal changes.
It can also be the effect of wearing a bra, an irritation or an allergy. It is not uncommon for mothers to experience pain in that area while breastfeeding. If the discomfort persists or is very severe, you should speak to your doctor.
13. Secretions should not be neglected
All female and male nipple discharge should be reported to your doctor. This is usually an indicator of health problems. If the discharge is accompanied by blood, the right thing to do is to consult immediately.
14. They were trendy
For several centuries, between the fifteenth and eighteenth to be precise, it was fashionable to show nipples in public. Women’s dresses were designed to be on display. The trend was set by Agnes Sorel, mistress of King Charles VII, and has been embraced by women from all walks of life.
A very important small part
Female and male nipples are a very small part of the body, but as we have verified, participate in many important functions. Among these, breastfeeding, but also sexual arousal.
Like any other region of the body, if a person feels something is wrong, notices very sudden changes, or feels unusual discomfort, the best thing to do is discuss it with the doctor.
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